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HAGERSTOWN’S NO KINGS PROTEST: A TIME FOR CHANGE

by Jacob Stoner, Speak Up Community News Journalist/Photographer

It is a cold and windy day in Hagerstown, but that didn’t stop demonstrators from filling the Downtown Square for another No King’s protest. Roughly 1,500 demonstrators gathered with varying ages, races, creeds, and ethnicities. The majority of the crowd was aged 45-75, similar to the last No King’s protest. Demonstrations officially started at 1pm until 3pm with some staying longer to further spread their message.

Citizens of Hagerstown shared grievances they had for the community such as Dave, a Hagerstown resident of five years, “We’re spending money on the wrong things. If we’re going to spend the money, let’s spend the money on our people on fixing things. The problems are easily fixed if we sit down and work on them instead of talking about them.” Another Hagerstown native, who chose to remain nameless, stated similar concerns adding, “I believe that we are smart enough as a country”.

For those out there wanting to get your voice heard, Melissa from West Virginia offered this advice, “...call your representatives and make sure they know exactly how you feel about things. Sometimes it takes time, and often you just get an answering machine...just make sure they know because they’re supposed to be dealing with this. We shouldn’t have to be out in the street every couple of months, but we’re willing to do it if that’s what it takes.”

Demonstrators held signs regarding the new U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Williamsport, calls to defund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), wanting Donald Trump gone, and calling for federal economic reform.

Even though some individuals were upset and emotional, it was an extremely peaceful demonstration. Trish from Smithsburg added, “If you can try to find something right that you [Democrats and Republicans] both can agree on...I think it is more the billionaires against the normal regular people. It’s top to bottom, not right to left.”

In this polarized time, it’s more important than ever to love thy neighbor. Listen to what other people have to say. taken in Hagerstown Downtown Square by @jacobstone.r

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7 months ago

Green Book Black Market: The Heart of Small Black Businesses

Jacob Stoner

Feb. 28, 2026

In celebration of the final day of Black History Month, the 2026 Green Book Black Market took place in the MLK Gym on W North Avenue. Food vendors, artisans, tattoo artists, and many more small business owners set up tables with their products for Hagerstown residents. Children and adults alike came in to browse what these owners had to offer.

Various political figures running for local, state, and federal offices came to show their support, such as Congresswoman April Delaney of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. As tensions rise in Hagerstown regarding recent ICE involvement, Delaney had this to say, “I’m working with Team Maryland… [Moore, Alsobrooks, Van Hollen, Brown, and other Maryland Congressional representatives] We’ve been fighting on both a federal level and state level…The Hagerstown County Commissioners are going to take public comment on it.” Eric Van Buren, State Senate candidate gave a message of, “If you need change, you have to vote…when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, the only thing you can do to change that, now is to vote…”

On a local level, multiple candidates for Washington County Commissioner were in attendance to show their support such as Lara Shepard, Lez Mackintosh, and Taj Smith. Shepard and Mackintosh provided a message to every one of their voters with, “Lara cares…I really care about my community…” and “More with Mackintosh…not more dysfunction, not more division…”

With political division raging over our country, it is more important than ever to take a step back and focus on what matters; community. by @jacobstone.r

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7 months ago

Our bodies are falling apart and I know I will follow you soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, you can surely reach me. by @jacobstone.r

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2 years ago

sluggish, lazy, stupid, and unconcerned by @jacobstone.r

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3 years ago

peace to every crease on your brain by @jacobstone.r

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3 years ago

a wise man once said nothing at all by @jacobstone.r

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3 years ago

let’s go beaching taken in Siesta Key, Florida by @jacobstone.r

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3 years ago

so what by @jacobstone.r

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5 years ago